By IMERPUS RELUR
--
At the inner courtyard of the Scavenging Sect, Core Elder Han smashed a jade tablet in his hand.
"Liang Chen. Foundation Level 8. Solo kills against our disciples. Dozens gone. Even one of our Core juniors."
The Grand Elder's eyes glowed faintly. "Send the Execution Squad."
---
Far beyond, Liang Chen stood on a narrow cliff, overlooking a deep ravine.
He studied a torn map piece he'd looted from the Fire Vein Tiger's corpse.
> "System. Analyze mark."
> [Ancient Tomb Location Confirmed – Ashblood Vault Ruins, 800 li southwest]
[Tier: Unknown]
[Warning: Ruins may house Golden Core-level threats]
He gripped his blade.
A choice.
> "We move."
---
Two hours later, three shadows descended behind him.
Execution Squad.
Each one at Foundation Level 9. Uniform black robes. No names.
They attacked in silence.
> "System. Boost movement."
> [Temporary Agility Surge – Cost: 2 Stones → Remaining: 4]
He ducked the first blow, spun with a reverse arc, and sliced upward.
One down.
Bronze flesh cracked. Blood spilled—but not his.
Second fighter jabbed toward his heart—Flame Arc Slash countered.
Third dropped from above.
A roar.
Liang Chen's upgraded armor flared red, absorbing half the blow.
He retaliated.
> [Enemies Defeated – 3x Foundation 9]
[Loot: 9 Spirit Stones, Black Execution Robe, Blood Mark Token]
[Current Stones: 4 → 13]
> "Upgrade cultivation."
> [Foundation Level 8 → 9 – Confirmed]
[Cost: 10 → 3 Remaining]
He stood amidst the bodies, expression blank.
No one left to witness.